the name given to the clade that contains mesosuchians and eusuchians (Whetstone and Whybrow, 1983). Phylogeny Below is a cladogram modified from Nesbitt (2011) and Bronzati (2012). The previous definitions of Crocodilia and Eusuchia did not accurately convey evolutionary relationships within the group. The only order-level taxon that is currently considered valid is Crocodilia in its present definition. Prehistoric crocodiles are represented by many taxa, but since few major groups of the ancient forms are distinguishable, a conclusion on how to define new order-level clades is not yet possible. (Benson & Clark, 1988). Biology The Crocodylomorpha comprise a variety of forms, shapes, and sizes, which occupied a range of habitats. As with most amniotes, Crocodylomorphs were and are oviparous, laying eggs in a nest or mound, known from strata as old as the Late Jurassic. Adult size varies widely, from about 55 cm long in Knoetschkesuchus to much larger dimensions, as in Sarcosuchus. Most crocodylomorphs were carnivores, but many lineages evolved to be obligate piscivores, such as the extant gharials. References Sources Benton, M. J. (2004), Vertebrate Palaeontology, 3rd ed. Blackwell Science Ltd Hay, O. P. 1930 (1929–1930). Second Bibliography and Catalogue of the Fossil Vertebrata of North America. Carnegie Institution Publications, Washington, 1, 990 pp. External links Crocodylomorpha - webpages by Ross Elgin on the University of Bristol server Major subgroups classification (used here) Crocodylomorpha from Palaeos Technical definition 01 Chordate superorders Extant Late Triassic first appearances Norian first appearances